• Haiyun Yang, Zhizheng Ge, Jun Dai, Xiaobo Li, and Yunjie Gao.
• Department of Gastroenterology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200001, China.
• Dig. Dis. Sci. 2011 Jan 1;56(1):203-7.

BackgroundGuaiac tests are the most widely used tests to detect colorectal cancer (CRC). However, their sensitivity is relatively low and results may be affected by various factors. Immunofecal occult blood test (IFOBT) is specific for human hemoglobin and does not require dietary restrictions.AimsThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of IFOBT for the screening of precancerous lesions and CRC.MethodsFrom July 2006 to June 2007, IFOBT was performed on 5,919 adults who received periodic health examinations in our hospital. The positive cases were examined by colonoscopy and a double-contrast barium enema. Diagnosis was confirmed by histopathological analysis.ResultsPositive IFOBT was detected in 314 of 5,919 cases (5.30%). Further examinations were made in 264 IFOBT-positive cases. Of these, 116 cases with colorectal cancer (16 cases) or precancerous lesions (94 cases with colorectal adenomatous polyps and 6 cases with active ulcerative colitis) were detected. The total detection rate of CRC and precancerous lesions was 43.94% (116/264). TNM classification of 16 CRC cases was as follows: TNM I in eight cases (50.00%), TNM II in seven cases (43.75%) and TNM III in one case (6.25%), indicating IFOBT can detect CRC in the early stages.ConclusionRegular IFOBT can detect precancerous lesions and CRC in early stages and can thus reduce mortality from CRC.

25 keywords...

hide…